Get Healthy: Join the National Diabetes Prevention Program Today
Have you been struggling with maintaining a healthy lifestyle? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, over 34 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately 88 million adults have prediabetes. The good news is that prediabetes can be reversed by making lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise and following a healthier diet. This is where the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) can help.
What is the National Diabetes Prevention Program?
The National Diabetes Prevention Program was created to help people with prediabetes adopt healthy lifestyle habits to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. The program is based on the Diabetes Prevention Program research study, which showed that losing a small amount of weight and getting regular physical activity can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes.
How does the National Diabetes Prevention Program work?
The program is a year-long program that focuses on making lifestyle changes that can lead to better health outcomes. The program includes:
- Weekly sessions for the first 6 months to help participants learn new habits and strategies
- Bi-weekly sessions for the next 6 months to provide continued support and reinforcement
- Tools and resources to help participants make lasting changes
What are the benefits of joining the National Diabetes Prevention Program?
Joining the program can have significant health benefits, including:
- Losing weight and reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% if you’re over age 60)
- Lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke
- Improving your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Feeling more energized and having improved mental health
What should you expect from the National Diabetes Prevention Program?
Participation in the program includes:
- Working with a trained lifestyle coach to learn about healthy eating, physical activity, and other lifestyle changes
- Weekly group sessions for the first 6 months to learn new skills, while bi-weekly group sessions for the next 6 months provide ongoing support
- Opportunities to share experiences with other participants, who could become your lifelong support network
How can you join the National Diabetes Prevention Program?
The program is available in-person or online and is typically covered by insurance. To find a program near you, you can use the DPP Finder or contact your primary care provider.
Conclusion
Joining the National Diabetes Prevention Program is a proactive step towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing diabetes risk, and feeling better overall. The program offers structured sessions, trained coaches, and helpful resources to support participants in making lifestyle changes that can lead to long-term health benefits. By taking action and joining the National Diabetes Prevention Program today, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your health goals.
